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HOW TO CREATE A
TERRARIUMBy: Robin M. Rupert
STEP 1Select a glass or plastic container to your liking, that will accommodate
the plants you would like to use and your
decorations. Consider the following:
How do things look from the outside of your
container?Do you want to use a
partially open or completely enclosed container?
How much growth do you want to allow for?
Recycle, thrift store, or brand new?
What level of difficulty do you want to attempt?
STEP 2
Thoroughly clean
your container with a
non-toxic product.
STEP 3
Create your drainage layer using one to two inches of gravel, small
stones, marbles, or
similar material.
STEP 4
Create a filter over your drainage layer to prevent your soil from being washed
down into your rocks.
You can use:Sheet, Sphagnu
m or Spanish Moss
Coir Landscaping Fabric
Metal Screen
Step 5Sprinkle about a half inch layer of charcoal over the filter created in
step 4. This will keep your soil fresh by preventing mold and
musty odors caused by the excess moisture.
(Tip: you can also mix some charcoal directly into your soil which helps with drainage, in
addition to keeping your terrarium clean.)
~ STEP 6 ~
Add a well-draining, sterile potting soil.
You can add it dry or pre-moistened.
Pre-moistened helps prevent the water from running straight
through to the bottom when you water, after planting.
Depending on container size, you can add from 2-4 inches. Try not to fill your container
more than ¼ to a third of the way full.
STEP 7Choose and prepare your plants. When choosing your plants:
Look for interesting variations in color, size and leaf structure.
Make sure all your plants have nearly the same growing conditions in terms of moisture and light, so they can live together harmoniously.
Prepare your plants by separating and thinning any
tightly bound roots and removing excess soil. You also want to trim off any yellow or brown foliage and clean them
up before placing them in their new environment.
Some great plants to use in
terrariums are:
SaxifragaMosses
Baby’s TearsCroton
African VioletsBegoniaHepatica
Aluminum PlantTahitian Bridal Veil
Prayer PlantMaidenhair Fern
AND MANY MORE!
STEP 8
• PLACE TALLER PLANTS IN BACK AND SMALLER PLANTS UP FRONT.
• CREATE A FOCAL POINT IN THE MIDDLE, THEN USE INCREASINGLY SMALLER PLANTS AS YOU MOVE OUTWARD FROM THE CENTER.
• USE AN ODD NUMBER OF PLANTS AS IT TENDS TO BE MORE APPEALING TO THE EYE.
• CREATE HILLS AND VALLEYS WITH SOIL FOR A MORE NATURAL LANDSCAPE
Arrange
your plants
in a way
that is aestheticall
y pleasing at any
angle it may
be viewe
d from.
Some Ideas On Arrange
ment
STEP 9if you did not pre-moisten your soil-
Water, very lightly by using a
spray bottle, straw, or funnel- then place your
decorative elements.
Remember, your terrarium will be
constantly moist/humid; so if you are going to
use wood or other biodegradable items, consider setting them on top of rocks (or
prepare to replace them after a while)
You can use:• Rocks• Sheet moss • Shells• Marbles• Sea Glass• Small Toys• Driftwood, Curly Willow• Figurines• Miniature Patio Furniture, Birdhouses, Gardening Supplies, Fences, Pottery
Closely monitor “just planted” terrariums for a while to ensure the moisture balance is correct. If condensation is dripping
from the top of your container, remove the lid and allow some water to evaporate.
If you see water deposits on your container or decorative items, you can use non-toxic window cleaner to clean the container, and either rinse the decorative items or wash
with a non-toxic product.
Remove any brown/yellow decaying matter, as it appears. If you see mold, contain and remove it
immediately.
Do not fertilize; you don’t want your plants to get overgrown… if they do outgrow their bounds, just
trim with a clean pruner or scissors.
Make sure you do not place your terrarium in the hot sun for any length of time, as it will “cook”
your plants!
Completely enclosed containers will need to be watered far less often then partially open containers. Many
variables affect how much water is needed; so monitor closely. M
AIN
TEN
AN
CE
* References *
TerrariumsBy: Pamela Westland
The New TerrariumBy: Tovah Martin
A Kid’s Guide To Making A Terrarium
By: Stephanie Bearce
Stormthecastle.com
Terrariumman.com Monkeysee.com Youtube.com
This Terrarium Created By: Robin M. Rupert